With Liability Limit Petition, Should Claimants Move Quickly On Oil Rig Lawsuits?

While some experts are telling the families of the Transocean rig disaster victims to find a lawyer to represent them as quickly as possible, others are telling them to take their time to thoroughly consider their law firm options, the ongoing investigation, and their case. Who is right? Our stance has been to take your time, but you do need to be aware that things may change.

First and foremost, it is important to take care of your loved ones and make sure that your family has the support they need. The weeks after a disaster like this one can be emotional, stressful, and overwhelming – and it is only natural to concentrate on these feelings in the wake of a serious accident.

Next, it is important not to rush into a lawsuit without first educating yourself, allowing investigations to begin, and weighing your options. While many attorneys may pressure you to act fast, it is far better to act cautiously. The more informed you are, the more likely you are to choose an attorney who is right for your case and your needs.

With that said, a recent development in the Deepwater Horizon drilling disaster case has added a new urgency to those who have potential lawsuits against Transocean. Because the oil rig equipment company is filing a petition to limit their liability in a Houston federal courtroom, those with wrongful death and injury claims have a much smaller window of time in which to find an experienced attorney and act on their claim. While the statute of limitations under regular circumstances is three years for filing similar maritime injury lawsuits, victims of the recent oil rig accident will have to take action much more quickly.

In general, those preparing to file an offshore rig accident lawsuit against Transocean should educate themselves, research law firms, and take care of the needs of their loved ones.